Shelving system

ABSTRACT

An adjustable length track for a pusher system includes a first section and a second section which is operably connected to the first section. A first elongated rail extends longitudinally along the first section. A second elongated rail extends longitudinally along the second section. The second section is moveable in relation to the first section to allow a length of the track to be changed, thereby enabling the track to be placed on associated shelves of varying depths.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/682,169 which was filed on Oct. 9, 2003 and is stillpending. That application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/348,306 which was filed on Jan. 21, 2003 and isstill pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an adjustable shelvingsystem. More specifically, the present invention relates to anadjustable forward-feeding display shelving system for storing anddisplaying merchandise of a variety of shapes and sizes andautomatically delivering the merchandise to the front of the shelf. Theshelving system can be removably attached to an associated shelf and isconfigured to organize merchandise on the shelf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shelving is used extensively for stocking and storing products ormerchandise in a variety of stores. Most stores have immovable shelvingwhich is arranged back-to-back between aisleways. The nature of thefixed shelves makes it difficult to add and remove products. Moreover,such shelves make difficult the rotation of the shelved products, whichinvolves moving the older stock to the front of the shelf andpositioning new stock behind the older stock. For a number of importantmerchandising considerations, it is desirable that merchandise bedisplayed at the front of a shelf so that the customer is induced topurchase such forwardmost article. For example, if the goods areperishable or are subject to becoming stale (e.g. cigarettes, fruitjuices, dairy products, or any item with an expiration date or afreshness date), it is important that the articles be removed in a firstin, first out basis to maintain freshness. Also, if merchandise is notdisplayed at the front of a shelf, it may not catch the shopper's eye,which may cost the merchant sales.

In order to automatically move an item forward as the one before it isremoved, numerous forward feed devices have been devised. There devicesgenerally fall into three categories. The first category is inclinedtracks, relying on gravity to feed, slide, or roll products forward.Gravity feeding is unpredictable in that various materials slide easierthan others because of different weights and frictional interfacesbetween the products and the track. The second category employs conveyorbelts which still use gravity to effect forward movement. These devicestypically are cumbersome, expensive, and complicated, due to the need toproperly tension and track the conveyor belts. The third category usesspring-biased paddles to feed the product forward. Such paddle-basedforward feed devices have been found useful for certain merchandise.

However, a merchant with two or more different depths of shelving mustpurchase tracks of two or more depths, to employ the spring-biasedpaddles. There thus exists a need for a track system that is capable ofaccommodating shelving of varying depths.

Also, the current mounting designs of such spring biased paddles onrails is not optimum and, thus, leaves room for improvement.

Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a new andimproved track system for merchandise display which would overcome theforegoing difficulties and others while providing better and moreadvantageous overall results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an adjustablelength track is provided for a pusher system. The track comprises afirst section and a second section operably connected to the firstsection. A first elongated rail extends longitudinally along the firstsection. A second elongated rail extends longitudinally along the secondsection. The second section is moveable in relation to the first sectionto allow a length of the track to be changed, thereby enabling the trackto be placed on associated shelves of varying depths.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a shelvingsystem includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable toan associated shelf. A track is received on the mounting member, whereinthe track extends approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis ofthe associated shelf. The track comprises a first section and a secondsection operably connected to the first section. An elongated railextends longitudinally along at least the first section. A pusher isslidably mounted in relation to the rail. The second section is moveablein relation to the first section to allow a length of the track to bechanged, thereby enabling the track to be placed on associated shelvesof varying depths.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, amerchandising system comprises an elongated mounting memberoperationally securable to a front portion of an associated shelf andextending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof. A plurality of spacedtracks are provided, wherein the tracks extend rearwardly over theassociated shelf. At least one of the tracks includes a pusher slidablymounted thereon. A mounting structure is provided for mounting each ofthe plurality of spaced tracks to the elongated mounting member. Each ofthe tracks comprises a first section and a second section and whereinthe second section is moveable in relation to the first section to allowa length of the track to be changed, thereby enabling the track to beplaced on associated shelves of varying depths.

Still other aspects of the present invention will become apparent tothose of average skill in the art upon reading and understanding of thefollowing detailed specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, several embodiments of which will be described in detail inthis specification, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, whichform a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a shelf management systemaccording to the present invention, including a portion of an elongatetrack, two paddles in accordance with a first and a second embodiment, afront panel, and a front end clip;

FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of a merchandise shelving systemaccording to the present invention, including a portion of the elongatetrack, two rear panels and two rear end clips in accordance with thefirst and second embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a sectioned view through the shelf management system of FIG. 1in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the shelf management systemof FIG. 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shelf management system including anelongated track and paddle assembly according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a reduced top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 5 along line6-6;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a paddle of the assembly of FIG.4;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the paddle of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shelf management system including anelongate track and paddle assembly according to a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjustable length track according toanother embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a second tracksection in a horizontal orientation;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adjustable track of FIG. 10 withthe second track section being shown in a vertical orientation;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the adjustable tracksections of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the adjustable track of FIG. 10 inuse in a shelf management system with a paddle being located on thesecond track section;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the adjustable track system ofFIG. 13 with the second track section being shown in a verticalorientation;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of anadjustable length track according to the present invention with thetrack being in a shortened condition;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the adjustable length track of FIG. 15with the track being in a lengthened position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a track and a paddle according to a yetfurther embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the track and paddle of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a greatly enlarged cross sectional view of the track andpaddle of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the paddle of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the paddle of FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the paddle of FIG. 20; and,

FIG. 23 is a rear elevational view of the paddle of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purposesof illustrating several preferred embodiments of the invention only andnot for purposes of limiting same, FIGS. 1A and 1B show two embodimentsof the shelf management system according to the present invention.

More particularly, FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of the componentscomprising a shelving system generally designated by reference numeral10 including a portion of an elongate track 12, a product pusher paddle14 with a foot 16 in accordance with a first embodiment, a front endclip 18, and a front panel 20. Also shown in phantom lines is analternative product pushing paddle 15 without the foot in accordancewith a second embodiment. The components of the shelving system 10 couldbe formed in accordance with the present invention from a conventionalthermoplastic, such as polyvinyl chloride plastic or any other suitableplastic by extrusion, molding, or any suitable plastic formingtechnique. The shelving system 10 is configured in such a way so as toaccept packages of various widths, depths, and configurations. Moreparticularly, the spacing between adjacent tracks 12 can be adjusted toaccommodate packages of different widths. Also, the shelving system canbe employed on shelves of differing depths.

The track 12 is generally configured in an elongate orientation,including a front end portion 13 and a rear end portion 17 as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively. The track 12 includes a base wall 22 anda side wall 24. The base wall 22 and the side wall 24 are perpendicularto each other. The base wall 22 of the track 12 includes a pair ofT-shaped rails 26, 28 thereon. The T-shaped rails 26, 28 each include avertical leg 30, 32, respectively extending transverse to an uppersurface 33 of the base wall 22. The vertical legs 30, 32 each have aflattened horizontal surface 34, 36, respectively thereon. The flattenedhorizontal surfaces 34, 36 increase the support surface area forcarrying product without impeding the sliding movement of product alongthe horizontal surfaces 34, 36 utilizing the available forces providedby the product feeding shelving system. The vertical legs 30, 32 spacethe flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 from the upper surface 33 ofthe base wall 22. The T-shaped rails 26, 28 extend collinear with thelength of the track 12.

The track 12, at one side, includes the side wall 24 extendingperpendicular to the base wall 22. The side wall 24 functions as adivider member to separate the shelf space into individual merchandisedisplay areas. The side wall 24 includes a first face 40, a second face42, and a flange 44. The flange 44 is generally transverse to the secondface 42 of the side wall 24. The flange 44 is collinear with the lengthof the track 12. The flange 44 is proximal to the base wall 22 andgenerally coplanar with the flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 of theT-shaped rails 26, 28. The flange 44 has a horizontal surface 47. Thebase wall 22, at another side, includes a terminal edge 46, distal tothe side wall 24, which extends upward generally perpendicular to thebase wall 22. The terminal edge 46 is collinear with the length of thetrack 12. The front edges of the rails 27, 29, the front edge of thebase wall 23, the front edge of the side wall 25, and the front edge ofthe flange 45 are coplanar and aligned generally with the front edge ofthe associated shelf, not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the paddle 14 according to the first embodimentincludes the foot 16. The paddle 14 further includes a pusher wall 56with a front face 58 and a pair of gussets 60, 62 which extendrearwardly from a rear face 64. These are generally angled from the topof the pusher wall 56 to a base 70 of the paddle 14. The gussets 60, 62serve to stiffen the pusher wall 56. The foot 16 extends forward of thepusher wall front face 58. An upper surface (shown in FIG. 2) of thebase 70 serves as a spring carrier surface 72. At opposing sides of thespring carrier surface 72 are a pair of outside edges 76 and (notvisible) projecting downward generally perpendicular to the springcarrier surface 72. The outside edges are parallel to one another andare spaced to slidably engage, along with an underside or slidingsurface 80 of the spring carrier surface 72, the flattened horizontalsurfaces 34, 36 of the T-rails 26, 28. The foot 16 extends forwardlytransverse to the front face 58 of the pusher wall 56. The foot 16includes a pair of opposing outside flanges 82, 84. A pair of productsupporting arms 86, 88 are included on a top surface of the foot 16. Apair of guide legs 87, 89 are included on a bottom surface of the foot16. The arms 86, 88 and legs 87, 89 are collinear with T-rails 26, 28when the shelving system 10 is in an assembled arrangement, as will bedescribed hereinafter.

As also shown in FIG. 1A, the second embodiment of the paddle 15 doesnot include a foot. However, the paddle 15 does include a pusher wall 90with a front face 92 and a pair of gussets 94, 96 extending rearwardlyfrom a rear face 98. These generally angle from the top of the pusherwall 90 to a base 100 of the paddle 15. The gussets 94, 96 serve tostiffen the pusher wall 90. An upper surface of the base 100 serves as aspring carrier surface. At opposing sides of the spring carrier surfaceare a pair of rolled edges 104, 106 projecting downwardly and inwardly.The base 100 also includes a pair of legs 118, 120 extending transverseto a lower or sliding surface 108 of the base 100. The legs 118, 120 areconfigured to slidably engage the upper surface 33 of the base wall 22to support and align the paddle 15 along the track 12.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, a front end clip 18 for each track12 is shown. This includes a vertical rectangular front plate 130 with afront face 132 and a rear face 134. The front plate 130 includes amounting element 136 extending transverse to the rear face 134 of theplate 130. The mounting element 136 comprises a pair of verticallyoriented opposing side walls 138, 140 and a bottom wall. The mountingelement 136 of the front end clip 18 slides in between the T-rails 26,28 in the front end portion 13 of the track and frictionally engageslegs 30, 32, flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 and the upper surface33 of the base wall 22. As shown in FIG. 2, a tooth 152 protrudes from alower face of the clip and engages in a slot 154 in the track to fix thefront end clip 18 to the front end portion 13 of the track 12 withoutthe use of any glue or other adhesive material.

Also shown in FIG. 1A is the front panel 20. The front panel 20, whichcan be an extruded piece, is cut to fit the length of the shelf. Thefront panel 20, and a rear panel described hereinafter, generally allowthe product tracks 12 to be stably held so as to define a width for theproduct as well as to hold the product tracks 12 to the shelf at boththe front and the back ends of the shelf, yet allowing them to slidesideways on the shelf. The front panel 20 and rear panel areadvantageously configured such that a plurality of product tracks 12 canbe slidably mounted to them. The front panel 20 is generally configuredin an L-shaped arrangement with a base wall 160 and a front wall 162extending upward generally transverse to the base wall 160. The frontpanel 20 may be comprised of a clear plastic material to allow amerchant or prospective purchaser a clear line of vision to the productbeing carried by the shelving system. The front wall 162 includes afront face 164 and a rear face 166. A downward extending flange 168projects from the rear face 166 of the front panel 20. The flange 168includes a first leg 170 which extends perpendicular to the rear face166 and a second leg 172 generally perpendicular to the first leg 170.The second leg 172 extends downward generally parallel to the rear face166. The first leg 170 and the second leg 172 form the downwardextending flange configuration which provides an open slot 174. As shownin FIG. 2, the open slot 174 is configured to receive the front plate130 of the front end clip 18. An upper portion 176 of the front wall 162serves as a product retaining wall which extends upward and preferablyangles slightly rearward from a location above the flange 168. Theproduct retaining wall 176 serves as a forwardmost stopping surface forthe shelf management system 10 and utilizes the rearward angle to holdproducts within the adjustable shelf management system 10 while theproduct is being urged forward in the manner described in greater detailhereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a low profile rear end clip 180 cooperates with alow profile rear panel 214 in the first embodiment of the presentinvention. With reference now to FIG. 3, these two elements areconfigured in such a way as to allow a rear end of the pusher paddle 14to extend rearward beyond the rear end portion 17 of the track 12.However, the foot 16 holds the pusher paddle on the track. The lowprofile rear end clip 180 includes vertically extending first and secondwalls 184, 186, respectively. A horizontal connecting wall (not visible)connects the first and second walls 184, 186 at their respective bottomedges thereby defining an upwardly open slot 190 between the first 184and second 186 walls. Extending transverse to the second wall 186 aretwo opposing upper mounting tabs 192, 194 at opposing ends of the secondwall 186. A lower mounting tab 196 extends transverse to the second wall186 centered along a lower edge 198 of the second wall 186 between thetwo upper mounting tabs 192, 194. Each upper mounting tab 192, 194includes a pair of integrally formed support walls 200, 201 and 202,203, respectively, extending from a top edge 187 of the second wall 186angularly to the front edge of the tabs. Planar bottom surfaces areprovided for the mounting tabs 192 and 194. These are configured toslidingly engage the upper surface 33 of the track base wall 22. Thelower mounting tab 196 has a planar upper surface 204 including anupward projecting tooth 206 generally centered between opposed sideedges 205 and (not visible) of the lower mounting tab 196 proximal to afront edge 197. The upper surface 204 of the lower mounting tab 196 isconfigured to slidingly engage the bottom surface 35 of the track basewall 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the upward projecting tooth 206 engages anopening 210 in the base wall 22 between the T-rails 26, 28 therebypreventing disengagement of the rear end clip 180 from the track 12.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the low profile rear panel 214 of the firstembodiment is defined by a base wall 216 and an upwardly extending rearwall 218. The rear wall 218 extends transverse to the base wall 216 andincludes an L-shaped upper edge 220. The L-shaped upper edge 220 has afirst leg 222 generally perpendicular to the rear wall 218 and a secondleg 224 extending downward generally parallel to the rear wall 218. Thefirst leg 222 and the second leg 224 form a downwardly open channel 226.The channel 226 is configured to engage the first vertically extendingwall 184 of the rear end clip 180. As with the front panel, the rearpanel 214 is cut to the length of the shelf and accommodates a pluralityof product tracks 12. The base wall 216 of the rear panel 214 mayinclude anti-skid layer 230 extending along the length of the bottomside of the base wall 216 proximal to the rear wall 218 for preventingmovement of the rear panel in relation to the shelf. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 2, a set of anti-skid bumps 232 may be used. The layer 230or bumps 232 can be co-extruded or separately applied to the rear panel214.

With reference now to the second embodiment, the front end clip 18 maybe utilized also as the rear end clip as shown in FIG. 1B. For thispurpose, a second embodiment of a rear panel 240 is employed. In thisembodiment, the rear panel 240 includes a base wall 242 and a rear wall244. The rear wall 244 projects upwardly transverse to the base wall242. The rear wall 244 includes an L-shaped upper edge 246. The L-shapedupper edge 246 includes a first leg 248 projecting transverse to therear wall 244 in a forward direction. A second leg 250 projectsdownward, generally parallel to the rear wall 244, from the first leg248. In this embodiment, the rear panel 240 is similar to the frontpanel 20 but without a product retaining wall (upper portion).

According to the first embodiment, the paddle 14 is in slidingconnection with the product track 12 (best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). Thesliding connection comprises a first and second pair of surfaces, withthe first pair located adjacent the first T-shaped rail and the secondpair of surfaces located adjacent the second T-shaped rail. One surfaceof the first and second pairs is formed on the top side of the outsideflanges 82, 84 of the foot. The other surface of each of the first andsecond pairs is on the upper surfaces of the T-rails 26, 28. The firstand second pairs of surfaces engage to resist separation of the paddlefrom the track. Additionally, there is a third pair of surfaces 87, 89located on the bottom side of the foot 16. These engage adjacent surface33 on the track base wall 22 to maintain alignment of the paddle 14 withthe track 12. Furthermore, there is a fourth pair of surfaces located onthe bottom side of the foot. These include respective notches 91 and(not visible) as shown in FIG. 1A. The notches engage a surface of therear end clip 180 to halt rearward travel of the paddle on the track.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the front face 58 of the paddle 14 extendsgenerally normal to the upper surface 33 of the track 12. The front face58 of the paddle is designed to allow the paddle to maintain contactwith the products positioned directly in front of it. The spring carriersurface 72 and the sliding surface 80 of the paddle 14 are generallyformed from the same section of material which extends rearward of thepusher wall 56 along a direction generally perpendicular to the frontface 58. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 2, the gussets 60, 62support the relationship between the pusher wall 56 and the foot 70. Theouter edges 76 and (not visible) of the base 70 extend downwardtransverse to the spring carrier surface 72. These outer edges form afifth pair of sliding surfaces. These cooperate with a respectivesurface of the track 12. The fifth pair of surfaces engage to maintainalignment of the paddle 14 with the track 12. The base 70 includes acentral opening 71, proximate to the rear face 64, which allows a rollspring to pass therethrough.

With reference again to FIG. 1A, the opposing outside flanges 82, 84 aredesigned to slide under the flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 of therails 26, 28. The sliding surface 80 (FIG. 2) of the paddle 14 isdesigned to slide over the flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 of therails 26, 28. Through the use of the opposing flanges 82, 84, theopposing outside edges 76, 78, and the rails 26, 28 of the track 12, aslidable positive lock between the track 12 and the paddle 14 is formed.The slidable positive lock reduces the likelihood of the paddle 14separating or misaligning from the track 12 under high load.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the second embodiment of the paddle 15 (phantomlines) comprises first and second rolled edges 104, 106 which, in use,are located adjacent the rails 26, 28 of the track. These cooperate withthe respective adjacent track 34, 36. The rolled edges engage the tracksto maintain alignment of the paddle with the track. Additionally, thelegs 118, 120 of the second paddle 15 engage adjacent portions of therespective T-rails 26, 28. Such engagement helps resist separation ofthe paddle from the track.

The pushing surface or front face 92 extends generally normal to theupper surface 33 of the base wall 22. The spring carrier surface 102 andthe sliding surface 108 are generally formed from the same section ofmaterial which extends rearward of the rear face 98 of the pusher wall90 along a direction generally perpendicular to the front face 92 orpushing surface. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1A, a pair ofgussets 94 and (not visible) support the relationship between the pusherwall 90 and the base 100 of the paddle 15.

In both embodiments, a biasing element in the form of a spring 260 isused to bias the paddle 14 toward the front end portion 13 of the track12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the biasing element can be a roll spring260. The roll spring 260 has characteristics which may make it desirableover various other types of springs, such as compression springs. Forinstance, the roll spring 260 naturally recoils back into its tightlywound initial state after being extended and released. Also, as the rollspring 260 is stretched, the force exerted by it is approximately thesame during such stretching. It will be appreciated that other biasingelements may be used, i.e. elastic straps, coil springs, and otherbiasing members. The roll spring 260 is advantageous because it providesa uniform force throughout its extension, is simple to install, and doesnot require attachment to the foot 70. The roll spring 260 may bepermanently, semi-permanently, or removably attached to the front clip18. In the embodiment illustrated, the roll spring 260 issemi-permanently attached to the clip 18 by inserting a first end 262 ofthe spring 260 into a slot (not visible) in the clip. A spring portion264 immediately adjacent the first end 262 is then bent 900 and insertedinto a stem of the clip. The remainder of the spring is then rotated 90°around its longitudinal axis.

The balance of the roll spring 260 rests on a spring carrying surface 72of the base 70 of the paddle 14. Due to the configuration of the rollspring 260, it does not need to be secured to the spring carrier surface72. Alignment of the coiled section of the roll spring 260 is maintainedby the rear face 64 of the pusher wall 56, and the inside walls (notshown) of the gussets 60, 62. The rear face 64 of the pusher wall 56provides a front support and the inside walls of the gussets 60, 62provide side restraints with respect to movement of the roll spring 260.

With reference again to FIG. 2, it is appreciated that in the firstembodiment, the foot 16 of the paddle 14 limits the forward travel ofthe paddle 14. Although the forward travel of the paddle is inhibited bythe foot 16, the foot 16 enables the pusher wall 56 to extend rearwardbeyond the rear portion 17 of the track 12 (as seen in FIG. 3). Thisadditional rearward travel of the paddle 14 allows the entire length ofthe track to be utilized for storing and moving products. It will beappreciated that, in the second embodiment, using the paddle 15, thepaddle 15 can traverse substantially the entire length of the track 12but the pusher wall 90 does not travel beyond the rear end of the track12.

The shelf management system 10 comprises the track 12 to underlie aplurality of products. The track 12 extends longitudinally between thefront and rear end portions 13, 17, and laterally between the terminaledge 46 and the side wall 24. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the shelvingsystem 10 and feeding assembly generally comprises a number of producttracks 12. It will be appreciated that the base walls 160, 216, 242 ofthe front and rear panels are of sufficient depth in order to providethe necessary stability and alignment to the product tracks extendingtherebetween. Due to the use of T-rails 26, 28 product tracks 12decrease the contact surface area between the packages and the productsupporting and feeding assembly such that friction may be reducedbetween the products and the assembly. The horizontal surface 47 offlange 44 of a first track 12 is coplanar with the flattened horizontalsurfaces 34, 36 of a second adjacent track 12 to improve the productsupport and alignment as the products move along the track 12.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of adjacent tracks 12are shown stably held by the front panel 20 and the rear panel 214. Thisconfiguration results in a secure connection of a plurality of tracks 12within the shelving system 10 such that the individual tracks 12 cannotflop around. The front panel 20 may be attached to the shelf in anysuitable manner, including friction fitting or permanent attachment(i.e. a Christmas tree clip 270 as shown in FIG. 2). The side wall 24 ofeach respective track 12 separates the products supported on individualtracks 12 such that the product carried by one product track 12 will notinterfere with the movement of product carried by an adjacent producttrack 12. As shown, the side wall 24 is integral with the base wall 22.However, the side wall can be a separate divider wall (not shown). It isalso appreciated that a product label 272 may be affixed to the frontface 164 of the front panel 20.

With reference now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a paddle is thereillustrated. In this embodiment, like components are identified by likenumerals with a primed (′) suffix and new components are identified bynew numerals. In this embodiment, a paddle 300 is slidably mounted on atrack 12′. The track is generally configured as an elongated memberoriented such that it extends from a front of a shelf to a rear of theshelf. The track includes a base wall 22′. Mounted on the base wall area pair of T-shaped rails 26′ and 28′. Spaced from the rails is a sidewall 24′. The side wall includes a first face 40′ and a second face 42′(FIG. 6). The paddle includes a pusher wall 310. With reference now alsoto FIG. 5, the pusher wall 310 includes a front face 312 for contactingmerchandise and a rear face 314. The pusher wall 310 is mounted on abase 316. A pair of gussets 320 and 322 are located on opposed sideedges of the pusher wall 310 and extend from the pusher wall to the base316. The gussets are meant to reinforce the pusher wall 310. Reinforcingstakes on ribs 324 may also be provided adjacent the side walls. Thestakes can be molded together with the side walls.

Positioned atop the base 316 is a spring 330. As with the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3, the spring 330 may be a coil spring. In this embodiment, thecoil spring is not supported by the gussets 320 and 322 since thegussets are spaced a considerable distance from the relatively centrallocation of the spring 330. Rather, the spring is simply held on thebase 316. The spring 330 does not vary its location laterally in theprocess of coiling and uncoiling so that it would approach either of thegussets. The spring 330 is looped around the distal end of the base 316and then extends forward, such that a central portion 332 is locatedbetween the rails 26′ and 28′, as is best seen in FIG. 5. If desired,the spring can have a front end (not visible) which is secured either tothe track 12′ or to a front clip (not illustrated), which can be of thetype illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

Defined between the side wall 24′ and the second rail 28′ is a slot 338(FIG. 6). Positioned in the slot is a foot, guide or extension 340 ofthe paddle. With reference now also to FIG. 7, the foot is locatedadjacent the second gusset 322 and projects from a lower surface 341(FIG. 8) of the base 316. The foot can be in the shape of an upside downU and can comprise a top wall 342. Projecting from opposite side edgesof the top wall 342 are first and second arms or walls 46. Extendinglaterally from the first arm 344 is a flange 348. The flange is adaptedto contact a lower surface 352 of the second rail 28′ as is most evidentfrom FIG. 6. At the same time, the second arm 346 abuts against thefirst face 40′ of the side wall 24′ to brace the paddle 300 and retardlateral movement thereof. Cooperation of the flange 348 and the secondrail 28′ retards vertical movement of the paddle 300. However, slidingmovement along the rails 26′, 28′ is permitted. As is best shown in FIG.8, a transverse stiffening wall 356 can extend between the two arms 344and 346 between the ends thereof. It is also apparent from FIG. 8 that arear end 360 the foot 340, can terminate short of the rear edge of thebase 316, if so desired.

In this embodiment, the foot or guide 340 of the paddle is thus capturedbetween the rail 28′ and the sidewall 24′. It should, however, berecognized that the guide 340 could be captured between a rail and anysort of wall or approximately vertically extending protrusion of thetrack 12′. In other words, instead of the side wall 24′ as illustratedin FIG. 6, some sort of protrusion could be employed in combination witha rail in order to capture the guide. In such a design, the side wallcould be absent or could be located on the opposite side of the track.Also, a much wider track could be provided including a plurality ofrails and, perhaps, a plurality of pushers mounted on such rails witheach pusher having an extension that is captured between an adjacentrail and some sort of protrusion that may extend approximatelyvertically in relation to a base wall of the track.

With reference now to FIG. 9, still another embodiment of a paddle isthere illustrated. For ease of appreciation and understanding of thisembodiment, like components are identified by like numerals with adouble primed suffix (″) and new components are identified by newnumerals. In this embodiment, a track 12″ includes a base wall 22″ and aside wall 24″. Located on the base wall 22″ are a pair of spaced rails26″ and 28″. Slidably mounted on the track 12″ is a paddle 400. Thepaddle includes a pusher wall 410 having a front face 412. The pusherwall 410 extends from a base 416. Extending from the pusher wall 410 tothe base 416 are a pair of gussets 420 (only one of which is visible).These are located on opposed side edges of the pusher wall 410 and base416.

A spring, such as a coil spring is positioned on an upper surface of thebase 416. Depending from the base 416 is a foot, guide, or extension440. More particularly, the foot depends from a lower surface of thebase.

Protruding from a central portion of the base 416 is a tab or bracingmember 470. The tab is meant to be used when the paddle 400 is fullyretracted towards a back rail as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG.3. In use, the tab 470 braces the paddle on the rear rail, when thepaddle is fully retracted, to prevent it from wobbling. The tabprotrudes from a front edge of the base lower surface in a spaced mannerfrom the foot 440. It should be appreciated, however, that the tab canhave many different designs.

The design illustrated in FIG. 9 also enables the pusher wall 412 toextend rearward beyond a rear face of the track 22′. This additionalrearward travel of the paddle 400 allows the entire length of the trackto be utilized for storing and moving products. Thus, the design of FIG.9 illustrates a means for extending an operative length of the track22′. More particularly, both the extension 440 and the tab 470 allow thepaddle 400 to be retracted beyond the track 22, yet still stay connectedwith the track.

A similar design can be seen in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8. In thatdesign, the flange 348 maintains contact between the track 22′ and thepaddle, even when the pusher wall 310 is retracted beyond the rear endof the track 22′. Thus, the operative length of the track can beextended so as to enable the track to be used on deeper shelves.

With reference now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the shelving systemaccording to the instant disclosure comprises a track 510 which includesa first section 512. The first section comprises a first rail 514 and asecond rail 516. Defined between the two rails is an elongated aperture518. A first notch 520 and a second notch 522 can be provided in arespective one of the rails. As is illustrated in FIG. 10, more than onesuch notch can be employed if desired. At a front end of the track firstsection 512, there can be provided a transversely extending slot 526, asshown in FIG. 11. The slot separates a front portion 528 of the trackfirst section 512 from the remainder thereof. If desired, the slot canbe defined in an underside of the track first section 512.

The track 510 also comprises a second section 532. With reference nowalso to FIG. 12, the second track section includes a first rail 534 anda second rail 536. Defined therebetween is an elongated aperture 538.Provided in the first rail 534 is a first notch 540. Provided in thesecond rail 536 is a second notch 542. One or more ribs 544 can connecta pair of side walls 545 and 546 on which the rails 534 and 536 aredefined. It should be appreciated that similar ribs can be defined onthe track first section 512, if so desired.

With reference again to FIG. 10, connecting the track first and secondsections 512 and 532 is a hinge construction 550. With reference againto FIG. 12, the hinge construction can comprise a pair of pins 552 (onlyone of which is visible in FIG. 12) which engage a pair of opposed ears554 defined on the track second section 532. To this end, provided ineach ear is an aperture 556 for accommodating a respective hinge pin552. To control the range of movement of the track second section 532 inrelation to the first section 512, a pair of extensions 558 can beprovided on the track first section 512. These cooperate with respectivefront sections 562 and 564 of the track second section rails 534 and536. In this way, the track second section 532 cannot rotate past thehorizontal in relation to the track first section 512 as is illustratedin FIG. 10. However, the track second section can be rotated up to 90°in relation to the track first section as is illustrated in FIG. 11.With this construction, a means is provided for extending an operativelength of the track.

With reference now to FIG. 13, when the track 510 is placed on asubjacent shelf (not shown) that is deeper than is the length of thetrack first section 512, the track second section can be folded down. Inthis way, more merchandise can be accommodated on the track, and, henceon the shelf. However, when the track is of a shallower depth, the tracksecond section can be pivoted up out of the plane of the shelf so thatthe track first section spans the entire depth of the shelf. This isillustrated in FIG. 14. One benefit of such a design is that the sametrack assembly 510 can be employed both on deeper shelves and onshallower shelves, thereby saving the merchant from having to stock twodifferent lengths of track for its shelves.

With continued reference to FIG. 13, a pusher paddle 570 is mounted onthe track 510. Since the construction of a pusher paddle has beendiscussed previously, that discussion will not be repeated here. Thetrack 510 can be mounted to a front rail 580. The front rail cancomprise a vertically oriented wall 582 including a fence 584 mounted ina groove 586. The front rail also includes a horizontally oriented wall588. Defined in the horizontally oriented wall is a groove 590. Thegroove 590 accommodates the front portion 528 of the track first section512. In other words, a rear portion of the front rail horizontallyoriented wall 588 defines a plateau which is accommodated in thetransverse slot 526 in the track. This construction is described inapplicant's currently pending patent application Ser. No. 10/854,991which was filed on May 27, 2004 and is entitled “Adjustable ShelvingSystem”. It is also described in applicant's earlier filed applicationSer. No. 10/686,096 filed on Oct. 14, 2003 and also entitled “AdjustableShelving System”. The disclosures of both of these applications areincorporated herein in their entirety.

As discussed in the above-identified two applications, a shelf divider,such as the shelf divider 600, can also be provided. Such dividers areuseful in creating rows of products held on spaced tracks. Such adivider 600 can be of one piece with the track 510 or can be connectedto the track 510, if desired. Alternatively, the divider 600 can bespaced from the track 510. In this embodiment, the divider is spacedfrom the track and is separately mounted on the front rail 580. Avariety of such divider constructions is discussed in theabove-identified two applications which have been incorporated hereinto.

With reference now to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a means forselectively extending the operative length of the track is provided. Inthis embodiment, a track 610 includes a first section 612. The firstsection comprises a first rail 614 and a second rail 616. The rails arespaced from each other by an elongated longitudinally extending aperture618. Defined adjacent a front end of the track first section can be atransverse slot 626. The track 510 also includes a second section 632which comprises a first rail 634, a second rail 636 and an elongatedaperture 638.

A telescoping track construction 650 is provided in this embodiment.More particularly, the telescoping construction comprises a first frontflange 652 and a second front flange 654. These extend outwardly fromrespective first and second sidewalls 656 and 658 of the track secondsection 632. In this way, the track second section flanges accommodaterespective rear portions 662 and 664 of sidewalls 666 and 668 of thetrack first section 612. The telescopic movement of the track firstsection in relation to the track second section is illustrated by thearrows in FIGS. 15 and 16. As can be seen, the operative length of thetrack 610 can be changed from a shorter length illustrated in FIG. 15 toa longer length illustrated in FIG. 16 by sliding the two track sections612 and 632 in relation to each other. In this way, the track 610 can belengthened or shortened to fit deeper or shallower shelving.

With reference now to FIG. 17, another embodiment of a track 700 isthere illustrated. In this embodiment, the track does not include alongitudinally extending elongated aperture or slot. Rather, the trackincludes a first side wall 702, a second side wall 704 spaced therefromand a top wall 706 which connects the two side walls. Defined on thefirst side wall is a first track 710. Defined on the second side wall isa second track 712. With reference now also to FIG. 19, it can be seenthat the first and second tracks are defined as flanges which extendtransversely away from the plane of the respective side wall. A frontplate 716 can be defined on the track, as best shown in FIG. 17.Slidably mounted on the track 700 is a pusher or paddle 720. The pusheror paddle can include a front wall 721 which comprises a front face 722and a rear face 724, best shown in FIG. 20. With continued reference toFIG. 20 now, the front wall 721 is mounted on a base 726. A pair ofgussets 730 and 732 are located adjacent opposed side edges of the frontwall 721 and extend from the front wall to the base 726. The gussets aremeant to reinforce the front wall. Reinforcing stakes or ribs 734 mayalso be provided adjacent the side walls. The stakes can be moldedtogether with the side walls if so desired.

Positioned atop the base 726 is a suitable coil spring 740, as is shownin FIG. 22. The coil spring is supported on a flange or shelf 748 whichextends rearwardly from the front wall rear face 724 and is locatedbetween the pair of gussets 730 and 732 as is illustrated in FIG. 23.The spring 740 is looped around a distal end of the shelf 748 and thenextends forward through a slot 750 defined in the front wall 721. Thiscan also be seen in FIG. 21.

In this embodiment, a pair of guides 760 and 762 (see FIGS. 20 and 21)extend downwardly from the base 726. The guides include respectiveflanges 754 and 756, as illustrated in FIG. 21. With reference now againto FIG. 19, the flanges 754 and 756 are located beneath the first andsecond tracks 710 and 712. In other words, suitable channels 760 and 762are defined in the pusher or paddle 720 so as to accommodate the rails710 and 712 of the track 700. In this way, the pusher 720 is slidablymounted on the track 700, as is illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 18.

As with the embodiments of FIGS. 10-16, the track 700 can be providedwith either a hinged section or a telescopic section to enable thelength of the track to be adjusted for shelves of varying depths. Thisdisclosure has described five different means for extending an operativelength of a track. The first such means comprises the paddle assemblydisclosed in FIGS. 1-3. A second such means includes the paddle assemblydisclosed in FIGS. 4-8. A third means comprises the paddle assemblydisclosed in FIG. 9. FIGS. 10-14 disclose a hinged track assembly, whichcomprises a fourth such means. Finally, FIGS. 15-16 disclose atelescoping track assembly, which comprises a fifth such means.

The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments,obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of this specification. It is intended toinclude all such modifications and alterations insofar as they comewithin the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.

1. An adjustable length track for a pusher system, said trackcomprising: a first section; a second section operably connected to saidfirst section; a first elongated rail extending longitudinally alongsaid first section; a second elongated rail extending longitudinallyalong said section; and, wherein said second section is moveable inrelation to said first section to allow a length of said track to bechanged, thereby enabling said track to be placed on associated shelvesof varying depths.
 2. The track of claim 1 wherein said first and secondelongated rails are longitudinally aligned.
 3. The track of claim 2further comprising a pusher slidably mounted in at least one of saidfirst and second elongated rails.
 4. The track of claim 3 furthercomprising a biasing member for biasing said pusher in a forwarddirection.
 5. The track of claim 4 wherein said biasing member comprisesa spring.
 6. The track of claim 1 further comprising a hinge connectingsaid first and second sections.
 7. The track of claim 1 furthercomprising a sliding joint defined between said first and secondsections, said sliding joint allowing said second section to slide inrelation to said first section.
 8. A shelving system comprising: anelongated mounting member operationally securable to an associatedshelf; a track received on said mounting member wherein said trackextends approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of theassociated shelf, said track comprising: a first section; a secondsection operably connected to said first section; an elongated railextending longitudinally along at least said first section, and a pusherslidably mounted in relation to said rail; and, wherein said secondsection is moveable in relation to said first section to allow a lengthof said track to be changed, thereby enabling said track to be placed onassociated shelves of varying depths.
 9. The shelving system of claim 8further comprising a divider received on said mounting member whereinsaid divider extends approximately transversely to said longitudinalaxis of the associated shelf.
 10. The shelving system of claim 9 whereinsaid divider is spaced from said track.
 11. The shelving system of claim8 wherein said mounting member comprises a first longitudinallyextending groove, a portion of said track first section beingaccommodated in said mounting member first groove.
 12. The shelvingsystem of claim 8 wherein said pusher comprises a foot extending from abase member, said foot cooperating with said rail.
 13. The shelvingsystem of claim 8 further comprising a biasing member for biasing saidpusher forwardly on said track.
 14. An adjustable length merchandisingsystem comprising: an elongated mounting member operationally securableto a front portion of an associated shelf and extending parallel to alongitudinal axis thereof; a plurality of spaced tracks, wherein saidtracks extend rearwardly over the associated shelf, at least one of saidplurality of tracks including a pusher slidably mounted thereon; amounting structure for mounting each of said plurality of spaced tracksto said elongated mounting member; and, wherein at least one of saidplurality of tracks comprises a means for extending an operative lengthof said at least one track.
 15. The merchandising system of claim 14wherein said means for extending comprises a paddle which is adapted tocantilever beyond a rear end of said track.
 16. The merchandising systemof claim 15 wherein said paddle comprises a foot which protrudes from afront face of said paddle.
 17. The merchandising system of claim 16wherein said paddle further comprises a bracing member spaced from saidfoot.
 18. The merchandising system of claim 14 wherein said means forextending comprises: a first section; a second section; and a means formoving said first section in relation to said second section.
 19. Themerchandising system of claim 18 wherein said means for moving comprisesa hinge which connects said first section to said second section. 20.The merchandising system of claim 18 wherein said means for movingcomprises a telescoping joint connecting said first section to saidsecond section.